Learning sciences advances understanding of the learning process and the design of innovative learning environments. This interdisciplinary, research-based field originated at Northwestern University, where the School of Education and Social Policy started the first learning sciences program in the world to help people develop the skills needed for an increasingly complex world.
PhD in Learning Sciences
Students become qualified as researchers, developers and practitioners who advance the scientific understanding and practice of teaching and learning.
PhD in Computer Science and Learning Sciences (CS+LS)
This program builds on enduring and growing connections between research on learning and computation.
Masters in Learning Sciences
Students learn to advance the understanding and practice of teaching and learning in formal and informal settings.
Meet Our Learning Sciences Alumni
Alumni of the Learning Sciences program advance to leadership positions in academic, nonprofit and business organizations. Master's graduates work as educational designers, consultants, training providers and school technologists. PhD graduates excel as researchers with universities, government agencies and private firms.
See what our Learning Sciences PhD alumni are doing.News
Stay current with the latest news from our Learning Sciences program.
Wilensky, Horn Awarded NSF Grant for Computational Thinking Research
Northwestern University professors Uri Wilensky and Mike Horn have received a $2.6 million National Science Foundation grant to help students improve their computational thinking skills in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) and to explore how a computer-oriented approach to problem-solving impacts science education.
Why You Can’t 'Just Ignore' Fake News
Even if you know the information you’re getting is false, fictitious, or misleading, simply being exposed to it can have clear consequences, according to a review of recent studies by Northwestern University researchers.
David Rapp: Why Dubunking Doesn't Work
"The story of Bush’s reaction at the checkout scanner follows a narrative sequence of events that seem plausible and is simple to follow: Rich guy doesn’t buy his own groceries, rich guy has never seen a grocery checkout," writes David Rapp in the Washington Post.